An annual exhibition featuring top-quality works from nonprofessional artists from across Alberta will be featured at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery starting Sunday.
Alberta Community Art Clubs Association’s Alberta Wide Show will officially open with a reception from 2-4 p.m. with Mayor Morris Flewwelling in attendance.
About 100 pieces in various art mediums will catch the eyes of visitors who attend the show that runs until Aug. 12.
It’s a juried exhibition of artists who were already chosen through a selection process at one of three provincial zone shows. Kim Verrier, co-ordinator of exhibitions and registration for the museum, said it’s a show worth seeing.
“It’s their best in Alberta from their community arts clubs,” Verrier said.
Association president Grace Prospero of Red Deer said the show shows a real mix.
“We have artists who come from rural communities and urban settings, so the subject matter is really diverse,” said Prospero.
“The winners (from the zone show level) come to Red Deer for the Alberta Wide and it’s juried again there.”
The artists receive exposure which is so important for their works, Prospero said.
On Aug. 12, people have the chance to see jurors give their critiques on the pieces within Alberta Wide. That starts at 1 p.m.
Prospero described how Alberta Wide also promotes her association to a wider audience.
A plaque was recently discovered in the Red Deer museum, showing the association’s history of presidents and past presidents. Plans are to display the plaque at Alberta Wide.
Art instructor Harry Wohlfarth sparked interest in the arts through his various travels. He later acted as an advisor to 42 community arts clubs which officially formed the provincial association in 1968.
Alberta Wide will run during regular hours from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and on weekends from 12-4:30 p.m. Magnificent Saturdays runs 1-4 p.m. where people can make art themselves (cost is free with admission). To visit the museum and art gallery, the fees are as follows: $5 for adults, $2 for children,seniors and youth, and $10 for families. Children five and under get in free.
For more information, call the museum at 403-309-8405.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com